Step 7: No Case? No problem. Meet the Holy Trinity of the Lazy Modder.

Step 8: Simple tips for working with SMD stuff

Step 9: The End

Step 2: An extremely brief history of PICKit2 clones

Some years ago, Microchip decided to release the firmware and schematics of the PICKit2. Not long after that, the first of countless clones was born.

Many hobbyists stripped down the programmer to the bare essentials. Other commercial variants were made with robust ABS cases and a more secure RJ-12 connector. One version looks more or less exactly like the original from the outside, and it sells today for around 20 dollars!